Objective To evaluate the value of an optimized three-dimensional inversion-recovery with real reconstruction (3D-real IR) sequence with a longer repetition time (TR, 16 000 ms) based on modulated flip angle technique in refocused imaging with extended echo train (MATRIX) in the endolymphatic hydrops (EH) imaging after intratympanic gadolinium (Gd) administration, and to compare it with a conventional 3D-real IR based on the turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence. Methods From July 2021 to November 2022, twenty-seven patients received both the conventional and optimized 3D-real IR sequences after bilateral intratympanic Gd administration. Images of the two sequences were qualitativly evaluated and compared. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and area ratio of endolymph against the total lymphatic space from the two sequences were measured and compared. Results 14(25.9%) ears with insufficient contrast for the EH diagnosis on the conventional sequence were clearly displayed on the optimized sequence. Image score, CNR and SNR of the optimized sequence were significantly higher than those of the conventional sequence (P ＜ 0.001). The scanning time of two sequences was similar. The area ratio of endolymph against the total lymphatic space in the cochlear was significantly higher on the conventional 3D-real IR than that on the optimized 3D-real IR (P ＜ 0.001); there was no statistical difference in the vestibule between the two sequences. Conclusions Compared with conventional sequence, optimized 3D-real IR sequence with a longer TR may be better for evaluation of EH after intratympanic Gd administration.

Objective:To study the effect of ranibizumab on retinal oxidative stress in a rat model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and its mechanism.Methods:Sixty SPF male SD rats aged 10 weeks were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, ranibizumab group, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor (ML385) group, ranibizumab+ ML385 group, with 12 rats in each group according to a random number table.Except for the normal control group, the CNV model was established in the other four groups via krypton laser induction.According to grouping, the ranibizumab group, ML385 group and ranibizumab+ ML385 group were intravitreally injected with 1 μl of ranibizumab, ML385 and ranibizumab+ ML385, respectively.Model control group and normal control group received an intravitreal injection of normal saline of equal volume.The CNV area was measured through choroidal wholemounts.Pathological change of the retina was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.Expressions of Nrf2, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were detected using Western blot and real-time PCR.The use and care of animals complied with laboratory animal welfare guidelines.The study protocol was approved by the Laboratory Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee of Tengzhou Central People's Hospital (No.JN.No20210214S1200430[121]).Results:CNV areas of the model control group, ML385 group and ranibizumab+ ML385 group were (23.01±1.52)×10 3, (30.23±2.01)×10 3 and (18.56±1.85)×10 3 μm 2, respectively, which were significantly higher than (12.35±1.22)×10 3 μm 2 of ranibizumab group (all at P<0.001). The CNV area of ranibizumab+ ML385 group was smaller than that of model control group and ML385 group, and the CNV area of ML385 group was larger than that of model control group, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001). Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the structural damage of the retinal pigment epithelium-choroid-sclera complex was slighter in ranibizumab group than model control group, severer in ranibizumab+ ML385 group than ranibizumab group but slighter than model control group, severer in ML385 group than model control group.The mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, SOD and NQO1 of ranibizumab group were lower than those of normal control group but higher than those of model control group, ML385 group and ranibizumab+ ML385 group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, SOD and NQO1 were higher in ranibizumab+ ML385 group than model control group and ML385 group, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Ranibizumab can inhibit the growth of CNV induced by krypton laser and reduce RPE damage caused by retinal oxidative stress.The mechanism is related to the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway.

Objective:To evaluate the value of a three-dimensional inversion-recovery with real reconstruction (3D-real IR) sequence with an ultralong repetition time (TR) for the endolymphatic hydrops (EH) of Meniere disease (MD) after intravenous gadolinium administration, and compare it with a heavily T 2-weighted three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (hT 2-3D-FLAIR) sequence. Methods:From July 2021 to July 2022, 52 definite MD patients (58 ears) were retrospectively enrolled at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. The 3D-real IR with an ultralong TR (16 000 ms) and hT 2-3D-FLAIR sequences were performed four hours after intravenous single-dose gadolinium administration. The image quality of the two sequences was rated. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured in the two sequence. The EH of cochlear and vestibular was graded, and EH detection rates were calculated. Scores of the two sequences were compared using the paired Wilcoxon signed rank test. Paired t test was used to compare the differences of the SNR and CNR. McNemar test was performed to compare the EH detection rate between the two sequences. Results:The score of the 3D-real IR [3 (3, 4)] was significantly higher than that of the hT 2-3D-FLAIR [2.5 (2, 3), Z=-6.06, P<0.001]. No significant difference was found in SNR of 3D-real IR and hT 2-3D-FLAIR (11.4±6.5 and 12.3±3.7, t=-1.38, P=0.175). CNR of the 3D-real IR (21.7±9.3) was significantly higher than that of the hT 2-3D-FLAIR (9.7±3.8, t=10.67, P<0.001). Using 3D-real IR sequence, the EH detection rate of cochlear (89.7%, 52/58) was higher than using hT 2-3D-FLAIR (67.2%, 39/58, χ 2=11.10, P<0.001). No significant difference was found in the EH detection rate of vestibular between 3D-real IR (77.6%, 45/58) and hT 2-3D-FLAIR (74.1%, 43/58, χ 2=0.50, P=0.500). Conclusion:Compared with hT 2-3D-FLAIR sequence, the 3D-real IR with an ultralong TR can improve the depiction of EH in MD patients after intravenous single-dose gadolinium administration. It can provide higher image quality and detection rate of EH.

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of second-line regimens and prognostic factors in patients with first-relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) treated with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (BCD).Methods:A retrospective cohort study. Clinical data were collected in first-relapsed MM patients after BCD treatment from three tertiary hospitals in north China from July 2009 to October 2022. Patients were classified according to the second-line regimen into the immunotherapy group, single novel agent group [either proteasome inhibitor (PI) or immunomodulatory drug (IMiD)], combination treatment group (both PI+IMiD), and traditional treatment group. Responses to second-line regimens and survival data were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and the Cox proportional risk model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses.Results:A total of 217 patients were enrolled including 8.8% (19/217) in the immunotherapy group, 48.4% (105/217) in the PI/IMiD group, 29.9% (65/217) in the PI+IMiD group, and 12.9% (28/217) in the traditional treatment group. The median age was 62 years (range 31-83 years) and 56.2% (122/217) were males. The overall response rates (ORRs) in the four groups were 94.7% (18/19) vs. 56.2% (59/105) vs. 73.8% (48/65) vs. 32.1% (9/28) ( χ2=24.55; P<0.001), respectively. The progression-free survival (PFS) of the second-line regimens (2ndPFS) was 17.7 vs. 9.0 vs. 9.2 vs. 4.6 months ( χ2=22.74; P<0.001), respectively, among which patients in the PI/IMiD and PI+IMiD groups had comparable 2ndPFS ( χ2=1.76; P=0.923). Patients with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCAs) achieved the longest 2ndPFS of 22.0 months in the immunotherapy group ( χ2=15.03; P=0.002). Multivariate analysis suggested that immunotherapy ( HR=0.11, 95% CI 0.05-0.27), achievement of efficacy of partial response or better ( HR=0.47, 95% CI 0.34-0.66), and non-aggressive relapse ( HR=0.25, 95% CI 0.17-0.37) were independent prognostic factors of 2ndPFS. Conclusion:In this real-world study, immunotherapy was associated with a more favorable efficacy and PFS for first-relapsed MM patients after BCD treatment, with similar outcomes in patients with HRCAs.

Objective:To explore the optimum time of ambulation of atrial fibrillation patients after radiofrequency ablation, to provide basis for patients' early postoperative rehabilitation.Methods:By convenient sampling method, a total of 120 patients with atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation were collected at Yanghu Branch and City Branch of Changzhou Second People's Hospital from January 2020 to May 2021. They were divided into the early group, middle group and late group according to the random number table method, each group were 40 cases. All patients received routine postoperative intervention, the time of ambulation were 4, 6 and 12 h after operation in the early group, middle group and late group, respectively. The complication rate within 24 h after operation was compared among the three groups, and the comfort level of the three groups at 24, 48 and 72 h after operation was evaluated with Comfort Status Scale (GCQ).Results:Finally, 111 patients were included, including 37 in the early group, 38 in the middle group and 36 in the late group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding or hematoma, urinary retention, lumbago within 24 h after operation among the three groups ( P>0.05). The incidence of postural hypotension within 24 h after operation in the early group was 2.7% (1/37), which was lower than 21.1% (7/38) and 25.0% (9/36) in the middle and late groups, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=4.86, 7.67, both P<0.05). At 48 and 72 h after operation, the scores of physiological dimension, psychological dimension and the total score of GCQ in the early group were (20.68 ± 3.07), (22.54 ± 3.35), (81.68 ± 6.11) and (22.54 ± 3.73), (24.38 ± 2.49), (84.92 ± 6.37), higher than those in the middle group (19.16 ± 2.19), (21.32 ± 2.27), (78.24 ± 5.58), (20.93 ± 2.85), (22.32 ± 2.04), (81.66 ± 6.56), and those in the late group (18.44 ± 1.50) (21.31 ± 1.99), (78.06 ± 4.32), (20.89 ± 2.25), (21.58 ± 1.86), (80.28 ± 6.44), the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 2.19-4.15, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Ambulation at 4 h after operation does not increase peripheral vascular complications, but can reduce the incidence of postural hypotension and improve the comfort of patients with atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation.

The biological role of N 6-methyladenine (m 6A) methylation modification has been gradually identified, and it has shown increasing value in tumor. In recent years, with the accumulated explore of epigenetics in RNA modification, many studies have reported that m 6A methylation modification contributes to development and progression of lung cancer. m 6A-related modified regulator has potential application value as a clinical target for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) on light-damaged retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro. Methods: Human UCMSCs were cultured, and then identified by flow cytometry.Human RPE cells were isolated and cultured, and then the model of light-damaged RPE cells was prepared.The noncontact co-culture system of light-damaged RPE cells and UCMSCs was established by Transwell chamber.RPE cells were divided into normal control group, model control group and UCMSCs co-culture group.RPE cells in the normal control group were not treated.RPE cells in the model control group were treated with blue light to induce RPE cell damage.Co-culture system of light-damaged RPE cells and UCMSCs was established in the UCMSCs co-culture group.The proliferative ability of RPE cells was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay at 24 hours and 48 hours after co-culture.ELISA kits were used to quantitatively measure the levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the culture supernatant at 48 hours after co-culture.And the photoreceptor outer segments (POS) phagocytosis assay of RPE cells was also conducted. Results: UCMSCs displayed spindle-shaped morphology, positively expressed CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD105, while negatively expressed CD34 and CD45.RPE cells were polygonal in morphology and positive for the specific marker RPE65 protein.The proliferative ability(A value) of RPE cells in the three groups at different timepoints were significantly different (F_group=132.388, P=0.000; F_time=231.440, P=0.000), the A values of RPE cells in model control group and UCMSCs co-culture group were significantly lower than that in the normal control group, the A value of RPE cells in UCMSCs co-culture group was significantly higher than that in the model control group, and the differences were statistically significant both at 24 hours and 48 hours after co-culture (all at P<0.01). POS phagocytosis test showed that there was a significant difference in the average number of POS particles phagocytized by RPE cells among the three groups(F=28.087, P=0.000). The average number of POS particles phagocytized by RPE cells in model control group was significantly lower than that in normal control group, and the average number of POS particles phagocytized by RPE cells in UCMSCs co-culture group was significantly more than that in model control group (all at P<0.01). ELISA showed that the concentrations of PEDF in RPE cell supernatant of normal control group, model control group and UCMSCs co-culture group were (18.8±1.9), (10.0±1.7) and (20.2±6.0)ng/ml, respectively.The concentrations of bFGF in RPE cell supernatant were (25.2±1.5), (26.3±3.6) and (61.9±14.3)pg/ml, respectively.There were significant differences in PEDF and bFGF concentrations among the three groups (F=8.654, P=0.008; F=23.698, P=0.000). The concentration of PEDF in the model control group was significantly lower than that in the normal control group, and the concentration of PEDF in the UCMSCs co-culture group was significantly higher than that in the model control group (all at P<0.01). The concentration of bFGF in UCMSCs co-culture group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group and model control group (all at P<0.01). Conclusions Cocultivation with UCMSCs can improve the proliferation ability and phagocytosis function of light-damaged RPE cells, and promote the secretion of PEDF by RPE cells.UCMSCs may protect RPE cells from light damage through paracrine secretion of bFGF.

OBJECTIVETo explore the value of single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) for the analysis of pediatric patients with growth retardation.

METHODSOne hundred eighty one children with growth retardation were enrolled. DNA was extracted from peripheral samples from the patients, and whole genome copy number variations (CNVs) were detected using Illumina Human Cyto SNP-12. All identified CNVs were further analyzed with reference to databases including ClinGen, ClinVar, DECIPHER, OMIM and DGV as well as comprehensive review of literature from PubMed to determine their pathogenicity.

RESULTSForty seven patients (26%) with abnormal CNVs were detected, which included 12 known microdeletions/microduplications syndrome (26%), 10 pathogenic non-syndromic CNVs (21%), 3 numerical chromosome aberrations (6%), 3 unbalanced translocations (6%), 4 pathogenic mosaicisms (9%) and 15 cases with unknown clinical significance (32%). After excluding obvious numerical and/or structural chromosomal abnormalities, this study has detected 15 pathogenic microdeletions/microduplications sized 5 Mb or less, which may be missed by routine chromosomal karyotyping. In addition, there were 3 cases with loss of heterozygoisty (LOH) containing known or predicted imprinting genes as well as 2 cases with suspected parental consanguinity.

CONCLUSIONSNP-array technology is a powerful tool for the genetic diagnosis of children with growth disorders with advantages of high resolution and improved accuracy.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Chromosome Aberrations ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Developmental Disabilities ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Objects:To investigate the current situation of counselors'implementation and their attitude to informed consent in Beijing.Methods:Eleven counselors who worked in Beijing were interviewed,the average of their working years was (7.4 ± 4.4).A semi-structured interview was used to learn about their practicing processes in and viewpoints on informed consent,and their interview transcripts were analyzed through qualitative method.Results:The results could be categorized into four categories,including the content of informed consent,the influential factors of informed consent,problems and confusions,and the significance of informed consent.The crucial role of informed consent in psychotherapy was generally recognized by counselors,and they could obey the related rules as well.The therapists had some confusion and problems about informed consent,such as the form and length,the consent for special population and online consultation.Conclusion:Basically,the counselors in Beijing could comply with the ethical standards of informed consent.However,they also suggest that certain limitations of these rules should be noticed.

Objective:To investigate the use of psychological testing in hospital and its potential existent ethical issues.Methods:Eleven psychometricians from 6 specialized and 5 general hospitals accepted a semi-structural interview.With (10.8 ± 8.8) years of experiences on average in this field,they tested 2 to 30 patients each day.Content analysis was used to investigate the psychometricians' qualification,usage of tests,informed consent,scoring,explanation and preservation.Results:Normally,the number of psychometricians in one hospital varied from 1 to 4.Out of 11 interviewees,2 were unqualified.Three of the interviewees pointed out there were non-standard circumstances when some doctors choosing the tests.Six of them thought that the frequently used tests' norms were obsolete.Eight interviewees considered that comparatively low psychometric fee influenced their devotion of explaining the results.Conclusion:In hospital,it's necessary to strength the ethical awareness of decision-makers and executors in psychological testing.